Each month of this year, I have enjoyed rifling through the pages of my journal, looking back on what I’ve written, and then writing a blog post about it all. You can check out the other posts here-January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
Taking a Step Back From Facebook
This is my moment, to be honest. I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I believe it can be an awesome tool, but it can also be a tremendous time suck. It’s so easy to go on there to message someone, share a blog post, or share some pictures and then get sucked into the newsfeed. This month I tried to take a step back from it all. I actually spent no time on Facebook this past week except to answer messages and ask a couple of questions on some groups.
Taking a step back showed me a few things:
- I believe relationships are incredibly important. If I use facebook to help build relationships, that actually helps fulfill one of my goals. However, if I use it just to surf through and waste time, I’m not fulfilling that goal.
- Shutting off noise helps me feel closer to Christ.
- What I read really affects my thought life both positively and negatively. I’ve taken the time to unfollow quite a few people this month and will continue to do this in the future.
- Being on Facebook too much can cause me to step into the comparison mode.
If you spent a lot of time on social media (or even a little), I encourage you to examine your thought life. Are you constantly pulled to and fro from the things you read? Is social media taking time away from being in God’s Word?
Scripture from James
James 1:27 (NLT) Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.
James 2:12 and 13 (NLT) So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free. For there will be no mercy for you if you have not been merciful to others. But if you have been merciful, then God’s mercy toward you will win out over his judgement against you.
I’m not Strong Enough without Him
“I know I’m not strong enough/ to be everything that I’m supposed to be/ I give up/ I’m not strong enough.”( From Strong Enough by Matthew West )
The could have, should have, would have voices can be brutal. We aren’t meant to be everything on our own. We are meant to rely on Christ alone. So many times this year I’ve had moments of doubt, fear, and grief, but each and every time I’m reminded that I don’t have to be strong enough. Neither do you. Christ in us is strong enough for every trial and tribulation that we face.
John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Being a Blessing from Where I’m at
For a long time, I’ve dreamed of being a blessing to others whether financially or otherwise. I’ve dreamed of making a larger income so I can help more people. I’m learning that being a blessing starts right now with where I am at. I’m giving and blessing others with what I have and what I can do. Now that’s rewarding! You too can be a blessing to others right now with the skills, talents, and abilities that YOU have.
Asking the Lord what my calling is
I’ve often wondered exactly what my calling is. I’ve struggled with this idea that I can actually know. Yet I believe that if we seek God diligently he will show us. I’ve begun to ask him daily and I believe that he has begun to show me little bits and pieces. I recognize that knowing my calling won’t make life easier for me, but I believe that having that assurance will give me peace in every single season. I encourage you to ask the Lord what your calling is as well.
How about you? What have you learned this month? I’d love if you’d take a minute to comment and share what you’ve learned this month.